The four students who developed software for Utkal University’s online admissions. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, May 15: Utkal University authorities today announced that they would set up a 24-hour helpline number to respond to queries of applicants regarding online admissions being introduced from the coming academic session.

“We are trying to ensure that students do not face any problems in understanding the e-admission system. Apart from a feedback section on the university website, we would also provide a list of mobile numbers on which applicants can call for guidance,” said Utkal PG Council chairman P.K. Sarkar.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the web-based application software that would be used for the e-admission procedure.

The software has been designed and developed by four integrated-MCA students of the university – Chandra Sekhar Biswal, Javed Anwar, Kamal Kanta Pradhan and Abhinas Sahoo.

Sarkar said all application forms for postgraduation programmes would be sold online, costing Rs 400.

“We have decided against printing forms this time and there has been a nominal increase in the application fee. Students can easily download the application forms from the university website, fill it, attach their photographs and the demand draft, and submit it to us through post or in person,” he said.

The university, which generally holds its admission process in August, had received more than 8,000 forms last year. But this time, with the introduction of online system, the authorities are anticipating the form sale figures to double.

University officials also said the existing server, which is attached to the e-admission system software, would be replaced by a “higher-capacity and dedicated software” in a week to prevent hackers from accessing students’ information.

Talking about the recent attempts at hacking the university website, officials said the university would file a complaint with the local police station to take track down the cyber criminals.

University vice-chancellor Prashant Kumar Sahoo inaugurated the e-admissions software this evening. Officials said the young techies would be “appropriately rewarded” for successfully completing the project.